#largedogs

Spring Tips for Enjoying the Beach with your Pets

One of my fur babies loves the beach! I mean, what's a Labradoodle to do when water is her favorite past time. I remember the doggie daycare telling me one summer, “if Bella could climb into a bucket of water, she would”. They were taken and surprised by her having her head, nose and all, under the water while swimming when other dogs would not dare. 

My dogs, Bella and Beau, always travel with me to the North Carolina Outer Banks and Bella knows when she is within an hour from the shore.  It is as if she can smell the salt in the air  or hear the crashing waves for miles and miles. Her excitement and whining begins and I know vacation is about to start. 

We always find a dog friendly beach houses to rent because Bella is 70 lbs and her Poodle brother, Beau, is much larger at 100 lbs.  

Here are some questions and tips to help find the perfect beach rental for your fur babies: 

Is your dog a stranger danger barker? That means if anyone comes within a short distance of the street or a shared breezeway or hallway, then you might want to avoid a hotels or duplex style rentals. This environment will have a bit more traffic passing through potentially trigger barking. You don’t want noise complaints or stress on your pets from others.

Does your beach home have an outdoor shower to spray your dog after a beach walk? An outdoor rinse helps to rinse off sand and sand water from your pet prior to entering the rental.  This comes natural for breeds that find water pleasurable at anytime (like my Bella). 

Do they have tile floors in the living areas of the home? I find it easier to clean and maintain the sand, fur bunnies, and other things brought in by our four legged friends (oh... and of course, ‘the wind’). 

When I scout for vacation rentals, I prefer something with a large deck and some cover for those beautiful sunny days.  That cover will allow you and the fuzzies to enjoy midday outside in the ocean air. Be sure to bring your expandable baby gates. Yes, I said baby gates! Closing off as many as three deck openings will allow your pets to have some freedom out in the beach air as you and your family enjoy breakfast peacefully. 

Does your beach location have strict laws regarding dogs on the beach or even allowing you dogs at all? Check local leash laws prior to booking your rental. Some beaches will only allow your fur babies to be on the surf at certain times of the year or during certain hours. Other beaches may be completely restricted to dogs. You’ll also need to know the maximum allowable length of leashes for walking your pets on the beach. These are answers you’ll need to  know before your trip. 

And please... let's not forget doggie bags for proper disposal of pet deposits on your walks. We all want to make sure our beaches continue to allow our furry pals. 

Guess who loves to pick out seashells? Bella acts as a pointer to pick out her favorites; it was a surprise to us, too. Keep your puppies intrigued, but be careful not to let them pick up the shells or drink anything except the water you bring along. 

My favorite time to visit is the Spring or Fall since this is perfect doggie weather. The weather is good for me as well because I think my puppies push my exercise regime to my limits while we are there. I caught Bella pushing me in the back of the legs to hurry me up. She wanted to catch up with her brother, Beau, and Dad. I think she wanted another walking partner......lol. 

We always enjoy the natural settings mother nature provides to us, and are looking forward to the next trip. Remember, when you take your fur babies on a beach trip... keep these tips in mind. 

- Lisi Ward 

Lisi Ward is a Broker/Realtor with the Allen Tate Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

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Natural Guardian Instinct 🛡️ (intimidating presence, rarely needs to bark)

Calm & Low-Energy 🛋️ (happy with moderate walks and lots of lounging!)

Loyal & Family-Focused ❤️ (forms deep bonds, great with respectful kids)

Low-Grooming Needs ✨ (short coat = easy care!)

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When it comes to choosing accessories for your dog, the size of your pet plays a significant role in determining the right items. Small dogs and large dogs have different needs when it comes to comfort, safety, and practicality. Let’s explore the top accessories for both categories to help you make the best choice for your furry friend.

Accessories for Small Dogs

Harnesses: Small dogs are more delicate, so a harness is often a safer option compared to a collar. A soft, adjustable harness helps reduce strain on their fragile necks, making it more comfortable for daily walks.

Clothing: Since small dogs have less body mass and can easily get cold, cozy sweaters, coats, and even booties are essential. Look for lightweight, breathable materials to ensure they stay warm without overheating.

Beds and Blankets: Small dogs love to snuggle up, and a plush, cushioned bed or blanket provides the perfect resting spot. Compact and supportive beds with a raised edge offer a sense of security.

Toys: Small dog toys should be sized appropriately to prevent choking hazards. Interactive toys, such as squeaky toys or treat-dispensing balls, keep them entertained while promoting mental stimulation.

Bowls: For small dogs, feeding bowls should be shallow to make eating easier. Non-slip bowls are ideal to prevent spills during mealtime.

Accessories for Large Dogs

Durable Collars and Leashes: Large dogs require stronger, more durable collars and leashes. Look for reinforced materials like leather or heavy-duty nylon that can withstand their strength. A padded collar ensures comfort during walks.

Beds and Crates: Large dogs need larger sleeping spaces. A spacious bed with ample cushioning supports their joints, especially for older dogs. A sturdy crate is also essential for their safety when traveling.

Chew Toys: Large dogs have powerful jaws, so they need heavy-duty chew toys. Look for durable rubber or nylon toys designed to withstand intense chewing. They not only satisfy their chewing instincts but also help keep their teeth healthy.

Coats and Jackets: While large dogs may tolerate the cold better than smaller dogs, a well-fitted coat can provide extra protection during harsh weather. Opt for insulated coats that cover a large dog’s body comfortably.

Food and Water Bowls: Large dogs require bigger bowls to accommodate their larger meals. Elevated bowls help reduce strain on their neck and joints while eating, making mealtime more comfortable.

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Dog body belts for Large Dogs are an essential part of safety equipment for large dogs. Whether you want a front-clip harness or a mesh body belt, these belts can help keep your dog safe and comfortable. To find the right size, you will need to measure the chest of your dog. It is important to measure from the widest part of their chest, not behind the armpits. In addition, you should measure from the bottom of their rib cage. The weight of your dog will also play a part in the size, so it's important to check the sizing chart provided. For more information Contact@9845994396

Front-clip harnesses

Front-clip harnesses for large dogs have become very popular among trainers and owners alike. They are designed to give you extra control over your dog, as they allow you to steer your dog more easily. They also tend to prevent your dog from pulling. However, some veterinarians and physical therapists report that front-clip harnesses cause more chronic pain and injury than other types of harnesses.

A front-clip harness allows you to steer your dog to one side. They are very convenient to put on and remove. They are also easy to attach to your dog's leash. You can choose a padded front lead harness that features nylon webbing and a padded mesh chest piece. You can also choose a front front-clip harness with a leash attachment for extra comfort and safety.

The Petsafe Easy Walks harness is a very popular front-clip harness. However, it has a downside: it has thin straps that can cause your dog to develop abrasions. Also, the buckle ends up under the dog's armpit, which may be uncomfortable for your dog. A better choice would be the Wonder Walker Body Harness, which is sturdy but not too bulky. A horizontal chest strap that covers the dog's shoulders will help prevent abrasions. For more information Contact@9845994396

Mesh dog body belts

Mesh dog body belts are an effective and comfortable way to harness your large dog, whether it is on a walk or riding in the car. These dog harnesses are available in a variety of sizes and colors. The body harness is made of padded mesh material that is machine washable and comfortable for your dog. The harnesses have a heavy-duty clip that secures around the dog's back.

These harnesses can be easily adjusted to fit your dog's size, and they can be easily cleaned. You can buy them in bright colors to add a dash of style to your pooch's look. Some mesh dog body belts are smaller than others, so you may need to order a larger size than you expected.

The chest plates of dog body belts can also be used as car restraints. They help distribute the force of an impact, leveling the playing field for owners of large dogs. They help prevent pressure on the spine or neck, which can cause a dog to become injured in a collision. Besides avoiding potential accidents, dog body belts can help you direct your dog better. For more information Contact@9845994396

Comfort

Dog trainers recommend a strap-style dog body belt for large dogs because it helps them keep control of their pet while walking. This harness can handle dogs up to 250 pounds. It is lightweight and made of breathable mesh. The harness also has reflective bands on the sides and chest for added safety. You can choose from several different colors for your dog. For more information Contact@9845994396

Safety

Dog body belts can make a big difference when your pet is in an accident. A dog body harness with a chest plate can distribute the force of impact more evenly, giving you more control. Body harnesses also make directing a large dog much easier. They also reduce the risk of injury to your dog in an accident. However, many dog harnesses are not safe for your dog. It is important to check the harness before buying.

A seat belt harness is made of a wide vehicle-tested webbing and features molded neoprene padded chest and back plates. The straps are adjustable and thread through two loops on the back of the harness. The seat belt loops on the harness's back plate are the weakest part.